Rockingham super clinic divides parties

The Rockingham GP super clinic has come under fire from the Federal opposition.

The centre, which is due to open in early 2014, would deliver services including coordinated pathways for chronic disease, mental health, prevention and intervention health and outreach services and a modern training environment.

Its proposed site, at the intersection of Civic Boulevard and Central Promenade, was praised by Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek for its proximity to amenities.

But the Opposition slammed the clinic saying that after two years it was still ‘‘just an empty paddock’’.

Ms Plibersek toured the site and its surrounding areas on Wednesday and said she was pleased with its location.

‘‘It’s got other supports around as well,’’ she said. ‘‘I noticed the Centrelink office and council just around the corner, so I think it’s a terrific location.

‘‘It’s a nice, large site and I think it’s going to make a good contribution to the local area. ’’

But Opposition Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Healthcare Andrew Southcott said the project was taking too long and the Liberal Party would have expanded existing practices, in a quicker time period, at less cost, if in power.

‘‘More than two years ago, Gary Gray put out a media release saying that the Gillard Government ‘delivers’ an integrated health centre and two years later here we are with an empty paddock,’’ he said.

‘‘This facility will cost $7 million and it is very likely we will not see one extra GP. It incorporates the relocation of an existing clinic located just outside the Rockingham General Hospital.’’